Top NBA free agents

Point guards: The point-guard class of free agent might, at first blush, look appealing. But it takes a pretty big hit once you recognize that Chris Paul is going back to the Clippers and that No. 2 on the list is Jeff Teague. That’s a pretty big drop-off, but if you’re in the market for a backup, this is the perfect bunch for you.

Shooting guards:You’re not going to find any stars among the players headlining the free-agent shooting guards in the NBA this summer. But you will find solid shooters all the way through. It’s probably the deepest position among the free agents.

Small forwards: Hard to believe, but in looking back at the blockbuster deal that brought Dwight Howard to the Lakers, the big winner now appears to be not L.A. or Philadelphia (which got Andrew Bynum) or the Magic. It was the Nuggets, who landed Andre Iguodala. Now all Denver needs to do is re-sign him. He will head up the list of free-agent small forwards.

Power forwards: The list of available power forwards on the free-agent market isn’t exactly pocked with huge names. But there is quite a bit of intrigue involved, starting with flighty big man Josh Smith, who figures to draw the largest contract in the group—even though his old team, the Hawks, don’t want him. The cash-conscious Pacers will have a decision to make on David West, as the Warriors will have when it comes to Carl Landry. And what do the Jazz do with Paul Millsap? Not stars, but interesting situations.

Centers: It has been nearly two years since we first heard that Dwight Howard wanted a trade out of Orlando. Even since, one of the most persistent NBA storylines has centered around Howard and where he will sign his next contract. In just a few short days, at long last, we will know. Hallelujah.